Published in the September 27, 2017 edition

By DAN TOMASELLO

LYNNFIELD — The girls’ soccer team compiled a .500 record last week, improving the Pioneers’ overall record this season to 3-2.

The Pioneers began last week defeating Hamilton-Wenham 2-1 on Sept. 18.

The first half was a defensive battle between the Pioneers and Generals, which was deadlocked at zero at the break.

Senior captain Liz Shaievitz scored the Pioneers’ first goal two minutes into the second half. Sophomores Abby Lucich and Anna Ferrante were credited with the assists.

Shaievitz scored the locals’ second goal 15 minutes into the second half, giving Lynnfield a 2-0 lead.

“Liz had a lot of composure,” said Pioneers head coach Mark Vermont. “Hamilton-Wenham is a tough place to play. She scored two really nice goals.”

The Generals scored its only goal of the contest 22 minutes into the second half.

Senior goalie Mackenzie O’Neill tallied nine saves in net against the Generals.

Vermont was pleased with the Pioneers’ performance against Hamilton-Wenham.

“It was a really good game,” said Vermont. “Hamilton-Wenham is fast, skilled and well coached. It wasn’t an easy game for sure.”

Clipped by Newburyport

The Pioneers concluded last week falling 3-1 to Newburyport on Sept. 20.

The Clippers scored its first goal five minutes into the first half.

Newburyport scored its second goal six minutes into the second half. The Clippers scored its third goal a short time later, giving Newburyport a decisive 3-0 lead.

“I thought we were playing a little bit flat and were playing scared,” said Vermont.

Senior Grace Sperling scored the Pioneers’ only goal of the game with 10 minutes remaining in the contest.

“Grace had been working hard the whole game and it was nice she got rewarded,” said Vermont.

Vermont also said Ferrante “played a nice game in the middle.”

“It was a tough game to play and she did a nice job for us,” said Vermont.

Vermont said he was pleased the locals game back against the Clippers.

“I was happy we were fighting all the way to the end,” said Vermont.